His pronunciation of many Pali words is funny -- it betrays a strong Thai influence combined with an American accent. So don't follow him thinking that this is Pali correct pronunciation (similar with Bhikkhu Bodhi as well).

The readings being referred to are in English, so the American accent is not a serious problem for most (apart from those who cling to the idea that native English still get to define English... )

Regarding Pali, the concept of "correct" Pali seems rather elusive. All modern Pali pronunciation appears to be heavily influenced by the native language of the speakers. Thai, Burmese, and Sri Lankan pronunciations of certain words can be very different, and the rhythmic sense seems to vary a lot (which can be quite disconcerting when one is used to a particular style).

Yes, I am only referring to his pronunciation of Pali terms: he seems to pronounce "t" as "d" for example, which is typical for Thai speakers. I think the speakers of Indian languages would still be the most reliable as regards the "correct" pronunciation of Pali today. Sri Lankan monks are also usually pretty close to it, much more than Thai or Burmese. And my favourite is the little boy Dhamma Ruwan of course:

gavesako wrote:Yes, I am only referring to his pronunciation of Pali terms: he seems to pronounce "t" as "d" for example, which is typical for Thai speakers. I think the speakers of Indian languages would still be the most reliable as regards the "correct" pronunciation of Pali today. Sri Lankan monks are also usually pretty close to it, much more than Thai or Burmese. And my favourite is the little boy Dhamma Ruwan of course:

Christopherxx wrote:So if you've never heard Ajahn Ṭhānissaro speak you are missing out on a real treat. Maybe even a new craving ;) Sutta Readings has some great suttas as read by him as well as dhamma talks through metta monastery. I would love to hear him read the whole Canon. And what a great way to get the suttas out there for people on the go. Hope everyone has a great upcoming holiday season! Your friend. With Metta :)!

Can you provide any links, please :-)

"An important term for meditative absorption is samadhi. We often translate that as ‘concentration’, but that can suggest a certain stiffness. Perhaps ‘unification’ is a better rendition, as samadhi means ‘to bring together’. Deep samadhi isn't at all stiff. It’s a process of letting go of other things and coming to a unified experience."

With the birds chirping in the background it seems like you are sitting in the forest listening to the buddha

When this concentration is thus developed, thus well developed by you, then wherever you go, you will go in comfort. Wherever you stand, you will stand in comfort. Wherever you sit, you will sit in comfort. Wherever you lie down, you will lie down in comfort.

gavesako wrote:Yes, I am only referring to his pronunciation of Pali terms: he seems to pronounce "t" as "d" for example, which is typical for Thai speakers. I think the speakers of Indian languages would still be the most reliable as regards the "correct" pronunciation of Pali today. Sri Lankan monks are also usually pretty close to it, much more than Thai or Burmese. And my favourite is the little boy Dhamma Ruwan of course:

"He, the Blessed One, is indeed the Noble Lord, the Perfectly Enlightened One;He is impeccable in conduct and understanding, the Serene One, the Knower of the Worlds;He trains perfectly those who wish to be trained; he is Teacher of gods and men; he is Awake and Holy. "--------------------------------------------"The Dhamma is well-expounded by the Blessed One, Apparent here and now, timeless, encouraging investigation, Leading to liberation, to be experienced individually by the wise. "

gavesako wrote:Yes, I am only referring to his pronunciation of Pali terms: he seems to pronounce "t" as "d" for example, which is typical for Thai speakers. I think the speakers of Indian languages would still be the most reliable as regards the "correct" pronunciation of Pali today. Sri Lankan monks are also usually pretty close to it, much more than Thai or Burmese. And my favourite is the little boy Dhamma Ruwan of course:

Oh wow...Listened to the whole 30 min straight through right off the bat.Amazing!!Sri Lankan Pali chanting is definitely my favorite; only things that come close (for me) are Thai Pali chanting and Chinese version of the Heart Sutra.Picked up the Sri Lankan tracks from Buddhanet.net; always on the lookout for more.